Media release

Mr Ndisabiya emigrated to Australia in 2014 from Rwanda and quickly found himself working in aged care. Five years ago, he moved into a role as a disability and mental health support worker.

He will complete the Certificate IV in Mental Health mid-year and said the course has given him the knowledge to go deeper in supporting people living with mental health issues. “The course is very relevant to what I do. I’m working in mental health, but I had gaps in my knowledge,” he said. “The course teaches us how to look after ourselves which builds our skills in looking after other people.”

His qualification is in high demand with the Illawarra where, like many parts of Australia, it is facing a growing demand for mental health workers. According to NSW Government data, the number of mental health-related emergency department visits in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District increased from 6,882 in 2023 to 7,061 in 2024.

Through the course, Mr Ndisabiya has learned the importance of his mental health in relation to his work. “There were times working in mental health where I would feel burnt out and not know what to do. This course taught me the role my own mental health plays in relation to this work. There’s no way I can provide support for people living with mental health issues if I am not mentally fit myself,” he said.

Fellow student Cecilia Castaneta, who emigrated to Australia from Peru in 2023 is working in aged care and enrolled in the course to gain the skills to help older people living with mental health issues. “I enrolled this year, and already I have been using my skills in managing people living with dementia. I’ve learned to be more empathetic with people and to their situations. Also, learning to manage my own emotions has helped me to be able to help others,” she said.

TAFE NSW teacher Zeljka Jovanovic ensures the class is a safe space for these students. “As they’re building on their English skills, they appreciate me taking it slower and spending more time on explanations,” Ms Jovanovic said. "It's incredibly rewarding to see their progress and the impact they're making in the community."

This program not only addresses a critical need in the region but also empowers immigrants to make a significant impact in the mental health sector, all while improving their English proficiency.”

Media contact: Adam Wright, TAFE NSW Communications Specialist, 02 7920 5000

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